In Disney’s recent remake of the classic Aladdin, the genie says something to Aladdin that I find quite profound. Here, I paraphrase in my own words: “The more you gain while pretending to be something you’re not, the less you’ll have.” Jafar—the villain—is the villain because he seeks power, status and riches above …
Setup: The character, Jasper, finds himself in a very real-feeling vision, where he’s in a desert having to face the accusation and pain of all the people who have hurt him or whom he believes he has hurt in his life. It’s a desert of self-condemnation and loneliness; essentially, this world of lies that he’s …
I told someone the other day that I get to go to New Zealand this year, which is a country I’ve wanted to visit since I was a young teenager. She proceeded to tell me that she heard it was rated the most beautiful country in the world. And that got me thinking. What is …
Sometimes in my life, it feels like I’m standing on a sinking boat. Or maybe it’s a sinking dock. I often don’t even remember if I ever left the dock; all I can see is that whatever I’ve relied on to hold me up is disintegrating. I spend so much time trying to hold everything …
If you read through the gospels, it’s clear from the words that Jesus speaks and even the way that he lives that he calls his followers to a life of denial. Utter abandon, really. Leave everything and follow me. Hate your mother and your brother, and enter my kingdom. Sell all you have, then come …
What comes to your mind when you hear “Jesus?” I think it’s a good question. The way we answer that question can help reveal to us what we really believe about him, what we think we know about this man who claimed to be God and saved humanity from eternal damnation. In my walk as …
It’s amazing how comfortable the edge can feel when you know who you are. When all former needs, expectations, and wounds are left behind. When you’ve instead chosen to embrace the new creation inside of you, the one that is whole and entirely secure no matter what loss once tried to take from you. When …
Here, I’m standing in the midst of the majesty of the King of my heart He holds my head close to his chest so I can feel again Letting go of all imaginations, I hear my heart beat within The hands of my King, they block out all the voices telling me I can’t sing …
Here we are, God Fragile creatures filled with power that our frames aren’t built to hold Known and loved, tiny hearts on a tiny planet Just wanting to dream and live, because our creation from the start Was linked to your heart Art poured from your lips until the melody wrapped up empty space and …
I don’t know where I fell apart Maybe it’s just that my heart has always been in a thousand pieces Fed a thousand lies by its enemy from infancy A battle I was born into and couldn’t escape but for the haven of your grace I think identity has been the great war of the …
